Every October, Albuquerque, NM host an International Balloon Fiesta. It is a sight to behold as I was fortunate enough to witness the event first hand a few years back. I met and became friends with a wonderful woman who lives in Albuquerque. We met on a trip at the Grand Canyon; she with family and friends, me solo. That trip formed a life-long friendship and from that, afforded me the opportunity to visit her and family and attend the Balloon Fiesta with my very own personal tour guide. You see, this was one of those events that was on my bucket list. Hearing my new friend Dawn’s accolades of the event was endorsement enough, but I’d also heard and read about its uniqueness and awesomeness over the years. Dawn and her husband Jim, live so close to the Balloon Fiesta’s location, that balloons on occasion land within 50 or so yards from their home when the Albuquerque winds aren’t cooperating. The Balloon Fiesta is international. The balloon creations are of anything you can imagine. Shapes and sizes of all dimensions with bright wonderful colors. The sky fills with character balloons we recognize from books, TV and movie shows, along with farm animals, sea creatures, and even inanimate objects. Hundreds of balloons make way to a wonderment of excitement. So many marvelous creations, it’s hard to focus on any one balloon; just when your attention is drawn to one, another fabulous balloon comes into focus. You soon become overwhelmed!
Ever wonder how such an event got started? I did. A radio station in the area was trying to come up with a marketing scheme to promote the station’s 50th birthday in the early-70’s. The station owner of KOB radio asked the owner of Cutter Flying Service, the first company to own a hot air balloon, if their balloon could be borrowed as part of the festivities to bring attention to KOB radio’s 50th anniversary celebration. An agreement was formed between them. At a later time, some marketing ideas formed between KOB Radio and Cutter Flying Service. They came up with hosting the largest gathering of balloonist. At that time it was 19 balloons in England. That became the challenge–getting more than 19 balloons and their pilots to Albuquerque. From those early beginnings of the 70’s with attracting 13 balloonist to Albuquerque, now at present day, with approximately 1,000 balloonist (capped for safety reasons several different times/years from 1,000+, down to 600, up to 750, and up further to 1,000 in 2011) is now the largest balloon fiesta in the world. October was the month decided on since it was the best time of year for producing winds to carry the balloons along. (Note: The balloon fiesta was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19).
The fiesta last for nine days. Many balloon activities are planned during the event. They have balloon races (special gas powered balloons that can go the distance–some have wound up in Canada or the eastern part of the U.S.), a balloon glow event (static lit balloons at night that have special shapes), special shaped balloon rodeo (uniquely shaped balloons, all launched at the same time), and several competitions (i.e., a game where balloonists attempt to drop a marker closest to a target). No chance of getting bored, I assure you! Another cool special event is one of Nations. Since this is an international balloon fiesta they have organized “The Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension.” Balloonists from each nation launch, one at a time, to their national anthem and waving their nation’s flag. Below is a mix of some of my favorite pictures. Some balloon shots are from just before sunrise so you can see the lantern effect they allude. So beautiful to see in person…nearly indescribable. A feeling of goosebumps and awe take over. Hope you get to see this wonderment for yourself someday!
~Mary~
